Is a Toyota 4Runner Good for Towing? - Towing a Camper over Teton Pass
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ย. 2024
- Join me as I use my 2018 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road to tow an Airstream Basecamp 16x over Teton Pass! This pass has 10% grades on both sides, putting the 4Runner to the test.
I'll discuss FAQs, such as 4Runner towing mpg, what the 4runner towing capacity is, and how the 4Runner does towing a camper. My TRD Off-Road has towed the Airstream Basecamp over 40,000 miles, so I'll provide insight from my last 3 years of travel!
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You should use the manual shift (s+/-) and put it in 4th gear for towing. It'll save wear on the torque converter as it won't be shifting up and down into overdrive.
Your T4R has 30%+ more performance to give. All gassers need RPM to climb, even pickups. She only makes about 150hp @3k rpm. Don't be afraid to rev to 4-5k rpm. It's by design, and a Toyota after all.
I agree those V6's like to rev, just make sure it has a trans cooler if it's an auto.
@@nonoiscool98 The 5th Gen 4Runner has a built in trans cooler.
They REV because they’re lacking gears in the trans…..
This is good to know. We recently purchased a 4Runner and a 16’ Airstream and got a little worried that maybe it wasn’t powerful enough.
This is why I have a 2008 V8
Thank you, thank you. You are a rare gem of a human being these days. Most drivers who pull a trailer don’t move for nothing and cause slow downs with 20 cars behind them and even cause road rage. You are a very conscientious driver. 👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you!!
2016 Trail version towing a WolfPup, about 3800# loaded. No issues. Curt electric brakes, equalizer hitch, no mods to suspension on SUV. 21 litres/100km. Never use “D”! Drive it in 4 only. 4Runners have strong engines, 2500 rpm at 100 KMH but the transmission is set up for fuel economy-they upshift too soon and downshift too late and it can’t be changed, this is hard on the transmission. Never let it seek overdrive and it’s all good. Never overheats even in the passes.
On our first long trip with our nucamp t@b 400 our TV was a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk (V6) and by our second day I was really thinking I had made a bad decision as the Jeep/transmission were constantly shifting and revving. Got on the jeep and nucamp forums and learned to turn off the ECO mode, which on our jeep by default is on whenever you start the vehicle. Turning that off greatly improved our performance and gave us the confidence to continue our trip from FL to Alaska. Our jeep did have paddle shifters and I used them once in Colorado when we went over Monarch Pass. For reference, our Jeep had a factory installed tow package (Class IV receiver hitch, wiring harness, a full-size spare tire, engine cooling system, and 180-amp alternator and rear load-leveling suspension). All that said, we always stayed to the right and while on a ascent/descent did not pull over, we did once we reached the summit or bottom to allow faster traffic to pass. In most cases, we were tucked in behind 18-wheelers.
Sounds like very similar towing experiences. I had no idea you guys have done the Alaska route. That's amazing! Would love to hear any tips you have as I'm hoping to head that way next summer. Great tip on looking for ECO mode, I wouldn't have thought to track that down and turn it off.
Towing etiquette with Cass - love it!
Thank you very much for watching!
YES!!! My fav “Hi everybody I’m Cass this is Jasper…” is back!! Thanks Cass!!
I made sure to include it after your last comment!
@@TailsofWanderlust Thanks Cass!!
mountain driving etiquette, you're an angel!
Thanks Ryan! Definitely worth pulling over, I’ve had people try to pass in some scary situations.
This summer I towed my NuCamp T@b 400 Boondock Lite over the Beartooth highway into Yellowstone with my Tacoma TRD 4x4. Very close to the same setup as your rig. Both the T@b and the truck were heavily loaded as we were on a 7 week trip. A tip that worked well was using premium gas, and even better, ethanol free premium gas. Noticeable Perfromance difference towing in the mountains, and I even got about 1-2 miles per gallon better gas mileage with premium. My mechanic told me with the higher octane premium gas the engine ignition computer did not have to advance the spark to compensate for preignition allowing the engine to operate more efficient and optimize power under the heavy load. Love your videos, thanks
Very interesting, thank you for sharing Jeff. Going to give Premium a try next time I head over a pass. Hope you enjoyed your trip, and thanks for checking out the video!
That was interesting. I thought the 4-Runner was designed to run on regular. Why would the timing be retarded?
@@rampar77 It is, but when you add a towing load, at altitude it can cause pre ignition or engine knocking, the ignition timing automatically adjust to counter it, however when it does you lose some power. Normally you would not notice it, but towing a T@b at altitude you can get more power with the higher octane gas so pre ignition does not occur and the computer does not need to adjust the timing and you optimize engine performance. I have towed my 400 with my Tacoma over Bear Tooth pass at 11,000 feet and noticed the difference
We tow a 17 foot Casita travel trailer with our 2018 4Runner. We found that using the transmission in manual mode works much better going up grades. If you aren’t towing up steep grades all the time, the 4Runner is fine for us, though a bit slow. I read various forums and people put hundreds of thousands of miles towing with their 4Runner. Yeah, gas mileage is about 19 not towing and about the same as you when we do tow. There is a new Tundra design supposedly coming out in 2022
Hope you are enjoying your Casita, I loved the one my boyfriend had. Thanks for sharing your towing experiences! Love how reliable the 4Runners are.
Just hauled my Forest River Wolf Pup Limited over Kickinghorse pass and Rogers Pass, and back again, in summer heat. Not a problem. 2016 Trail model 4Runner
Sounds like a great trip hope you had an amazing time
It went perfectly, Thanks.
We first towed our 3700 pound R Pod RV trailer with our 4Runner. Travelled to Banff and also to the Tetons. After those trips, we decided to purchase a Tundra. It made a big difference when towing in the mountains as well as towing during very windy days. You will not be disappointed if you purchase a V-8 5.7 liter Tundra!
Great to know on the Tundra, thanks Tim!
My wife and I have a new 2021 Ford Ranger FX 4x4 and we just ordered a Rockwood Mini Lite 2109S can’t wait to see how the Ranger tows it. Great Video!
That's awesome congrats!! Would love to hear how you like that setup!
Turn off your overdrive on the transmission if possible. You want to run at higher rpm's. The transmission is what pulls you more than the engine.
Good to know, thank you!
@@TailsofWanderlust put it in S then 4. It won't go into 5th grade don't that. Meaning it won't go into over drive. It is a sequential trans.
I had a 2015 4runner and pulled a 5x10 converted cargo trailer from Houston to BigBend State Park, It was painfully obvious that going up any hills was not going to be fun or quick. I loved the 4runner but it's a lousy tow vehicle and I don't miss hearing it scream whilst pulling my little trailer uphill. I now have a F250 and tow a 27ft travel trailer it still works hard on the hills but it's built for it and I just finished a 15000 mile trip without any issues.
Hope you had an amazing trip! Thanks for sharing your experience.
If you can afford an Airstream Basecamp, a Magnuson Supercharger is a game changer. The only regret I have is not installing one sooner!
Thanks for sharing!
Great footage and I felt like I was there Toyotas are the best
Thanks Mike really glad you enjoyed it. Agree, Toyota’s are the best!
@@TailsofWanderlust :>)
I have the exact same Runner. There is a lot more power to be had at 4000+ RPM.
Good to know, thanks Larry!
Hi Cass. Great information as usual! noticed you are still in shades. Hope you are close to getting back to normal. Enjoy the journey.
Thank you Brad! My eyes are slowly getting there, but I've been told to be very careful of the sun for the first year. So those shades will sadly be around for quite a long time.
It's great that you have brakes on your trailer. I towed a 12' enclosed with dirt bikes on my class A. It wasn't hard to over heat the brakes with the added weight of the trailer. I love your setup towing with the 4 runner. I think you'd be fine exploring Alaska with it. Fuel millage sucks on everything when you are towing. I'd rather the comfort and reliability of your 4 runner. Besides, Jasper looks cool driving in it
Thanks! I'm hoping to do some more overlanding type trips in Alaska and the Yukon, so will be attempting a truck renovation in the spring. If that doesn't go well, then the Basecamp is definitely going to Alaska.
I appreciate the additional noise is annoying but using 4000 RPM is not straining the 4 Runner in anyway
Frankly a 100,000 mile Toyota would not concern me - they are simply tough!!
Agreed. I wouldn’t worry about revving to 4,000 RPM or even 4,500. Yes it’s noisy, but gas engines need to rev higher to make power.
If frequently towing at high elevations than a diesel or turbo gas engine would be a better choice. As always, love the channel and the reviews. Safe and happy travels.
@@gransport4246
I have owned many cars and trucks and though I appreciate the RV world love affair with diesel pickups they have many issues and when they break ( and they will) it is big $
If you can live with the carrying capacity of the Tundra stick w Toyota
If not buy an extended warranty - we work w commercial operators 99% of who run large diesels and the million mile long haul trucks and the American diesel pickup have very little in common where as the Tundra V8 is strong and oh so durable
@@ericerven5456
Diesels have their place. I’ve owned many vehicles as well. I was strictly speaking from a performance standpoint at high altitude. A turbo gasser or diesel doesn’t lose as much power at higher altitudes because of the forced induction.
Regarding the Tundra even though it is reliable, it is the most unrefined and outdated pickup available with by far the worst fuel economy. It is expensive for what you get and performs extremely poorly in crash tests. I’d wait for the 2022 redesign to even consider it or recommend it.
Best vehicle I've ever owned!
I really appreciate your videos, this one in particular. I now own a Forerunner and have downsized the type of trailer I'm going to buy soon based on your information and am very happy with my decisions. Thank you!
So glad to hear it was helpful, enjoy the trailer!
Fantastic! Good to see all three of you back onto the "adventure road!"
Thank you so much! Appreciate you checking out the video!
@@TailsofWanderlust what setup do you have for sway control?
Thanks for the video of these real-life circumstances. We have a 4Runner and got a T@b400 camper, and this was immensely helpful in thinking through the 4Runner's capabilities and natural limitations.
Really glad it was helpful Doug. Congrats on the T@B those are awesome campers!
How's the 4Runner towing the 400? We want to get one too but seems a bit too heavy
The 4Runner is built on the the Tacoma chassis so it is like a truck full frame instead of like a Honda Ridgeline
It absolutely is. I should have been a bit clearer on that. Lower towing capacity than a Tacoma thou.
We just did the Tetons coming through the south entrance with our gas class A towing a Jeep. Just took it nice and slow. The tow mode really helps on those downgrades.
Love that you took the class A. Hope you enjoyed the Tetons!
Love your videos! As always. Always like seeing Jasper also. LOL
Thanks Darin! Hope you are doing well!
I was using 2nd or 3rd gear when going up hill or down hill. It has plenty of power in my opinion. Revving it is not a problem with me when my family was in wyoming last july. In those areas, reliability is the most important.
Absolutely love the reliability of it!
I had a 2000 4Runner 4wd. I felt fine towing a 22ft and 17 ft travel trailer, both about similar weight to your Basecamp. There were times when it struggled especially going to Yosemite but I never felt like the 4Runner couldn’t handle it. The tires you put on your 4Runner are the same as what I put on my AWD minivan 😀.
Love that you have the same tires! Also, thanks for sharing your experiences with the 4Runner!
Great video and love the channel! Taking a Basecamp up or down a steep grade for the first time is always a nerve wracking experience. Do either the 4Runner or Tundra offer an integrated brake controller as an option? We too have tried wireless brake controllers with limited success. Shortly after a Basecamp became a member of our family, we purchase a truck with integrated trailer brake controller and it's an absolute dream. As the driver it gives you complete control over tow vehicle braking, trailer braking, and engine braking without fumbling with awkward remotes. Best of luck with all your adventures and looking forward to your next video!
The Tekonsha P3 is a wired brake controller. The 4Runner Off-Road she drives comes setup for towing & she just had to plug it in & mount it.
Thank you! I'm not sure if the Tundra has an integrated brake controller, but the 4Runner does not. I ended up having the Airstream dealer wire in the Tekonsha P3. It is not a wireless setup, as I had heard those are not very reliable.
It took a few weeks of back and forth but eventually I was able to get a written confirmation from Toyota that a weight distribution hitch is not recommended against for my 2015 - apparently there was a note advising against for 2012 in the USA. Your mileage might vary but I got the green light from Toyota and have been using a Fastway E2 weight distribution hitch on my 2015 4Runner and it tows great. Thanks for the great videos!
That is really good to hear!! Glad it is working out well for you.
a couple of interesting options for truck campers for tundra / 4runner.. Redtail Overland makes a hard-sided rooftop tent , with a cool hatch that lets you enter thru your sunroof, they call it the teardrop trailer you dont have to tow.. and Four Wheel campers makes Project M, basically a pop up truck bed camper shell you can outfit any number of ways… also the Cirrus 620 may fit a Tundra with some suspension upgrades.. looking forward to learning what you decide on.. thanks for sharing!
Haven’t seen the Project M yet, but the Redtails were at Overland Expo. They were beautiful!
I'm on my 2nd Tundra.....my 1st was a 2010 double cab LTD and ended up putting 265K miles on it, no major repairs except water pump. Now my 2nd is a 2019 crew cab Platinum and just turned 50K miles, only oil changes so far. By comparison to the other manufacturers, it's pretty basic, but reliable. For 2022 the Tundra is an all-new model, but I'm thinking going electric for my next truck.
Love how reliable they have been for you. Thanks for sharing your experience Rob!
Seems like you know the limits of your 4Runner and are driving while towing very intelligently -- and safely!
I have a mid-size truck that has a towing-capacity of 7000lbs...not bad for the mid-size truck segment, and that's PLENTY for me IF I keep my towing needs below 5000lbs (as preferred) as I'd have a 2000lbs "cushion" so my tow-vehicle is less stressed and handles the load easier. And, since it's on the heavy side itself (~5000lbs), it always helps handling-wise if your tow-vehicle is heavier than the trailer you're towing.
Since you're sticking with Toyota, the Tundra sounds like a smart choice.
Happy Travels,
-- BR
Thanks Bill! Great point on the weight of the vehicle vs. the camper. It is nice to have a heavier vehicle/more towing capacity than actually needed. Provides for that extra layer of safety for sure.
@@TailsofWanderlust Well, I should have added that "if possible" it's better to have a heavier vehicle than the trailer you're towing...at least in "our" case towing smaller/lighter-weight trailers to begin with. I've seen it stated (I guess a general "Rule of Thumb" in the RV world?) that the travel-trailer (TT) towed must not weigh more than 80% of the tow-vehicle's weight. Given that, my Gladiator Rubicon's curb-weight of 5200lbs would limit my TT's weight to 4160lbs...IF this "80% rule" is accurate.
However, on that same site it also says, "Experienced caravanners [it's an EU/UK RVing website!] could tow up to about 100%. It is, however, preferable to keep a 10% margin."
So the "spirit" of the rule is keep the trailer's weight to less than your tow-vehicle's weight, if you can.
Of course those FULL-size trucks -- like a big (and likely diesel) 2500/3500 class trucks -- tow REALLY heavy trailers/fifth-wheels, WAY MORE than the truck weighs and they tow those heavy trailers just fine...so in that case it's not possible for the truck to out-weigh the trailer. But when "the rest of us" (non-ranchers/farmers/moving/business-people and such) tow smaller trailers, a heavier tow-vehicle is better.
In my case, the trailers I tow (so far, not having a travel-trailer yet!) are large U-Haul trailers (their 6x12 and probably OVER-loaded!) so I feel better knowing my tow-vehicle (Gladiator) out-weighs the trailer. And if it's loaded properly (weight-distribution) I shouldn't have any dangerous trailer-swaying/fish-tailing -- SAFETY is of utmost importance! ;-)
Motor Trend did a VERY critical report (and video) of a Gladiator towing a larger Airstream TT...and concluded it was downright DANGEROUS trying to tow such a trailer with a Gladiator. But IMO, it was THEIR error: They didn't load the Airstream properly and didn't have the proper tongue-weight...it was NOT because a Jeep Gladiator "couldn't tow" it safely.
My opinion only though, as I'm no "towing expert." ;-)
Since *I* don't expect to tow more than 4500-5000lbs EVER with my Gladiator Rubicon, that'd be at most ~equal to its curb-weight (5200lbs), but MOST times it'd be clearly under its weight as I'd not expect to tow more than a TT weighing (fully loaded, meaning "wet" vs. "dry" weight) 4000lbs.
Happy -- and SAFE -- Travels,
-- BR
I can only suggest a diesel for towing especially up any substantial grades. I’ve a Colorado Duramax with a complete tow package that includes factory hill descent mode, exhaust brake and brake controller. Did 9% in WV without any serious effort what so ever. Tows my 3300 lbs camper trailer like a tank with great MPGs. It’s all about the torque that an oil burner can provide. Highly recommended. Check one out. ❤️ your vids!
I'll definitely check one out, thank you Eric!
The 4 runner is basically a 2nd gen Tacoma with an suv body which makes it heavier, hence the the lower payload and towing capacity. You can get an increase in power by putting a K&N air filter on the the truck. It’s about $65. For more power increase you can put on an aftermarket exhaust. If you prefer it wouldn’t be as loud, the Borla or Toyota TRD are the best. They are $700 to $800. Try the air filter first for obvious reasons. You can run that engine up a hill at 4000 RPM without detriment. In fact it’s probably better than lugging the engine at lower RPMs. Which Tundra are you considering? The new third gen Tundra will have a turbocharged V6, which is a tried and true engine from the Lexus LS and a 10sp transmission. Toyota claims best in class towing and payload. The fuel mileage will certainly be much better than the outgoing v8. That V8 however, is the most reliable, longest lasting v8s ever made. The gas mileage is dismal. The payload and towing on the older truck is average. I wouldn’t recommend a truck camper on any half ton truck. If you find one light enough, you’ll be giving up a lot of space over the base camp. A new Tundra will tow that base camp like it’s not even there. It would be a nice setup for an Alaskan trip
Thanks for all the input Mark! I have the K&N in the 4Runner already. Honestly, it never really seemed to make that much of a difference on these mountain passes. I'm looking forward to seeing what the specs are on the new Tundra when they release them. I just purchased the truck camper - it's a 770lb Northern Lite. Once the Tundra info is released, I'll go test drive a few trucks and see what I end up with.
@@TailsofWanderlust at 770 pounds, any half ton pickup truck has the payload to carry that camper. The new Tundra is rumored to have more payload and towing capability than F150 which is the current top in the class. It will certainly have way more hp and torque than a 4Runner and will be capable of hauling that light camper. The only question would be the rear suspension. Pickup trucks are sold more than passenger cars, hence ride quality takes priority over towing and hauling. No problem though. There are plenty of suspension enhancements that make towing and hauling more pleasant. I have Timbren springs on my Tacoma which makes towing my Lance 1995 much nicer!
Turn off OD when towing: minimize heating of trans fluid. My 3rd gen 4R (lifted a bit) also doing the same MPG, however, my 2000 LC stock is doing 17.7 MPH at 78 MPH (no towing). Mod only if you need to. Don't forget in 1972-73 two range rovers crossed Darien gap without mods!
Can't believe the gas mileage you get without mods! That's great.
Thanks for making these videos about the Basecamp and 4 Runner. I actually found out about the Basecamp from stumbling up on your channel and wouldn't you know it, I'm waiting on a new 20X to be delivered just as soon as Airstream can get it built. I also used to have 4 Runner I really loved until I flat wore it out. I've got a new Palisade Calligraphy now with a towing package itching to hit the road. At my age, I jcan't get way off grid like I would've done years ago, but with AWD and the Basecamp I should still be able to get some great places. Please keep making the videos, I really enjoy them and they're very informative. Safe travels!
That's great to hear!! I really hope you enjoy your future setup! Still haven't seen a 20X in person but I've heard great things about them. That setup should definitely get you back into some great boondocking sites.
Very good, informative video. I just bought a TRD Off-road with TDSS thru COSTCO as I could not get any sort of discount in “normal” negotiations here in central Arizona. The chip shortage and COVID car-buying “surge” left me with no other options. I determined from a number of videos and discussion that 3500 lbs is really the max trailer for the 4Runner with 5000 max capacity so it is nice to see Cass confirm my view of a 70% rule rather than 80% you normally hear about. As the other truck in the family is a 2005 Tundra, I can use it for mountain camping, and the 4Runner for off-road camping.
You have a great family of vehicles there, and love that you have options between the two. Good to know Costco has different vehicle discounts, thanks for sharing that!
Great video- good pointers especially with Electric brake controller & towing etiquette. I had 2 4Runners- 86 ( 2 door on p/u frame & 99. More SUV like) Loved them both. Ever think about Sequoia for your towing-? not sure about the off road but it’s more like the Tundra frame 7400 towing capacity.
Hi Kathy! I'm going the pickup route specifically for a truck camper. Otherwise, yes I'd look into the Sequoia. I know some people that tow with them and they do a good job.
@@TailsofWanderlust I see that after your crazy run to get the camper. Can’t wait to see how you modify/remodel the said camper!
The Tundra’s getting a redesign for 2022, it might be worth waiting if you’re buying new. The outgoing model is ancient.
How is a Tundra relevant?
@@2CabrasLocas I’d tell you, but I wouldn’t want to spoil the video for you.
I am desperately waiting for the specs to come out! I hear it’s going to be pretty fuel-efficient and there may be a hybrid.
I considered buying a 4 runner, they are good, but that gas mileage, then I decided on a t@g teardrop so I could garage it & bought a RAV4 TRD to tow it !
That sounds like an amazing setup!
Great job reviewing this video, interesting and informative.
Thanks Mark!! Really glad you enjoyed it. Appreciate you watching.
Great video. I tow with my 4 runner 2-3k pounds in mountain passes in Utah.
I am half tempted to change the rear end out to 4.56 or 4.88s.
If ya re-gear do both diffs. Also, bags in the rear springs help tremendously. I’d do 4.56 if had to do it all over again. 4.88 is a bit much even with 3” lift n 33’s
Thanks Stout! Haven't heard of changing out the rear end before, so thanks for sharing. I'll have to look into that.
Nice insight. I'd love to see a review and breakdown of the Tundra if you decide to buy. I'm also planning on visiting Alaska next summer so I'd be interested in how you approach that trip. Thanks Cass !
I'll definitely create a video if I do go the Tundra route. Maybe run into you in Alaska next summer! I'll post videos on that planning as well.
@@TailsofWanderlust What about a Lexus GX 470 more enough power it has a 8 cyl, problem gas mileage is poor, 12 mpg up down left or right.
@@TailsofWanderlust Thanks; You never know huh, If I do see you I want Jasper's autograph.
Hahah deal!
Jasper is like..Let's get going Mom!!
Haha yes, he is always ready to get out of the truck and start hiking!
A Jeep Gladiator would be perfect for your intended use of towing the basecamp plus true trail capability.
Would love one, but sadly the payload is too low on them. I just purchased a small truck camper, so need a truck that can support that.
Hey Cass, happy to see you're back. I look forward to your videos. How are your eyes? I see you are still wearing sunglasses.
Thanks Jim! I have to be careful with the sun for the next year, so those glasses will be sticking around for awhile. I'm at 20/25 vision now, and it is still slowly getting better. Thank you for asking!
I added a Magnusson supercharger to my 4runner with the intention of towing. You should look into it! Will definitely help with towing up these hills.
Does the supercharger improve towing capacity? Been eyeing 7,000 lbs trailers even though i know the max is 5,000 lbs
I'll check that out, thanks Eddie!
@@baironrivas9553 From my understanding, you should not exceed your towing capacity even with the supercharger. There is more to towing capacity than just power, wheel base length, hitch strength, etc.. In this case, adding the supercharger gives more pep to daily driving and help with pulling trailers (5000lbs or less) faster and or go up hill.
You'll be really happy with the Tundra.
Great to hear!
Nice! Very conscientious traveler with the ideal set up. A Tundra with a camper is the way to go for additional pulling power, or longer trips without the base camp, but it may be to difficult to sacrifice those off the beaten path adventures with the 4 Runner. Having both would be best!. Balance. Decisions. 😁
Great channel!
Thanks Phil! It's definitely a hard choice to give up the 4Runner. I would love to have both but sadly can only have one vehicle so going to sacrifice the larger size. Appreciate you watching!
@@TailsofWanderlust You're welcome - and a very good choice in my opinion.
I got the same model 4Runner. This is good to know!
Hope you are enjoying it! Great truck.
Very helpful and well articulated video. I LOVE my 2020, "Marine Corps" green (pun intended), TRD Pro BUT, I am (sadly) considering selling it to buy a 1/2 ton PU to tow a small RV, much like your BaseCamp, in the next 12-18 months. I recently returned from a round trip drive from Durango through Red Mountain Pass, Vail, Denver then, back to Texas and I was disappointed the lack of performance, especially in the high elevations. My MAP sensor was not adjusting to the thinner air. Anyway, I appreciate your professionally done video. Safe travels :) Lupe G.
If you are still in the market check out the V8 Tundra. That's what I had briefly between the 4Runner and my current truck camper setup and I loved it. Did great with the Basecamp behind it. Glad you had such a great trip, those are some absolutely beautiful places!
Another great and informative video. I have a Ford Raptor which doesn’t have as good a tow capacity as some of the other F-150s but my trailer is going to be super light. I do wonder about how it will handle towing up these mountain passes so it will be interesting to try. Have you decided on a tundra because you liked your 4Runner and want to stick with Toyota? I did that when I went from my Chevy Colorado to Silverado and ended up switching to Ford a year later after I drove a Ford. I would definitely test drive other brands before you buy. The ram is also very nice and much more economical than the others.
Thank you Cara! And yes, the 4Runner is my second Toyota and I love them. Great tip on test driving others. I really need to get out to the truck dealerships and give each truck a try before I buy. I'm also hoping to find something that gets decent-ish gas mileage.
Thanks for more great info. 🌻
You're very welcome - thanks for watching another video!
Another enjoyable video.
Thanks Carl!
Great video as usual... If you have any questions planning your AK trip let me know. It's my home, I'm in Homer.
That is great to know thank you Sheila! I've been told Homer is a must-see stop.
A Toyota tundra wouldn't even know your trailer was back there
That's the hope! Thanks for watching Bob.
Good info on gearing and mpg
Thanks PJ. Appreciate you watching!
Thanks! Dreaming of the same Basecamp you have. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on towing in bad conditions - like snow, ice and especially wind. I'm currently in a high-roof Sprinter 4x4 and it gets a bit terrifying in Montana/Idaho/Alberta side winds. I am thinking of a Tundra as a tow vehicle too, but hoping they update the current model to improve fuel efficiency a bit.
I'm with you on hoping fuel efficiency improves on the Tundra. Hopefully we get info on that soon! In high winds, my setup actually handles really well. I can feel the wind, and I'm definitely gripping the wheel, but it isn't anything terrible. I'm sure if I had a sway bar system it would be even better.
Great video! I know this is a late comment, but have you considered a 2nd Gen Sequoia? Same power as the 5.7L Tundra, great drivetrain with the fulltime 4WD feature (2WD, AWD, 4WD, and 4WD low). No locking rear diff or solid rear axle, but just about as capable as any Tundra, and much better for mixed conditions driving with fulltime 4WD/AWD selected. Huge interior space, and with a good internal rack/overland system paired with a great hardshell RTT, it'll take you anywhere the Tundra will take you. I owned a 2012 Sequoia for 10 years and now have the last of its kind 2022 Sequoia TRD Pro.
The build quality isn't going to be the same as the Made in Japan (Tahara) 4Runner, but neither is the Tundra. Really hard to beat the 4Runner for quality. I'm sure you're thinking it through, but you may end up regretting getting out of the venerable 4Runner. A last of its kind 2023 4Runner is probably the best vehicle money can buy right now. Not sure the 2.4L Turbo 6th gen 4Runner is going to be able to continue that legacy. The new Tundra/Sequoia lineup certainly has not improved on the previous generation.
Definitely miss my 4Runner! I swapped to a Truck Camper, which is why I never considered the sequoia
Great Video. I was wondering how the Basecamp is to tow; thank you!
You are welcome, glad you enjoyed it Michael. Appreciate you watching!
Lexus GX460.
Costs a lot more LOL, but the 4.6L V8 would be a better towing experience.
Greetings from Alabama. I have 2 questions. Q1 - What is the weight of your Basecamp fully loaded? Q2 - Are you changing oil every 10,000 miles, or sooner due to your heavier than normal useage?
I haven't weighed by Basecamp, but GVW is 3500lbs. I change my oil every 5,000-7,000 miles due to towing and heavy driving.
Yes, that seems like poor fuel mileage. I did several trips through the Rocky's in a 97 Tacoma powered by a 2.7 litre 4 cylinder with a 5 speed manual transmission. When I got 18 mpg I would be disappointed and often would get in the low 20's. The Scamp weighs about 2350 lbs. If the wind was not against me I could cruise at near 70 mph on the interstates. Going uphill was slow. Towing the same Scamp with a 2010 Tacoma with the 4 litre six in Michigan's UP recently (quite a lot of up/down) I got only about 13mpg and thought that was horrible. Without a trailer the 97 got about 24 mpg locally and the 2010 usually between 18 and 20 mpg.
That is amazing gas mileage on the '97. Wish they still got that good of mileage!
Jasper and your cat looked a bit unhappy with the mountain roads. Your 4Runner looked like it handled the terrain without a problem with your driving techniques.
Jasper & Napoleon are not fans of long car rides. They were both ready to be at the next campsite. Thanks for watching!
Why not add befier suspension in the rear for towing.
Toyota all the way!!!!
Absolutely!!!
Check out Four Wheel Campers. They seem pretty popular with the kind of set up you're talking about. They have different models to accommodate different sized trucks including Tacomas and Tundras.
Thanks! I went to the recent Overland Expo to check them out. Great setup and design. Sadly, they are over 14 months out right now for orders, and I'm also not a fan of the fabric pop ups for safety of Jasper & Napoleon. I just ended up purchasing a hard sided camper. I'll have a video out on that in the future!
Thank you for this video. I seen a runner trd without air bags in back and the sag is horrible. We want a trailer but im sure our trd runner will not be good. Love the runner BUT, asking it to do to much. Funny thing we also are looking at the new tundra 6 turbo. Same fuel with a better towing performance by far.
Good luck on the search!
i took my f150 this route. no trailer but with a passenger and a full load with a canopy. power was no problem coming up BUT my trans was getting hot and i felt the same as you about slowing down and losing my momentum. she powered through and at the top the trans temp guage was in the red. I let her cool about 30 minutes before descending.
I wonder how the 4runner trans temp was? from what i understand they do NOT come with a trans oil cooler. my f150 has one and still got hot.
thanks for the video. I just bought a 2013 4runner and am just gettig to know it. i love it so far.
Its probably been asked a 100 times but where did you get the shelf in the trunk area? I LOVE IT!!! and you have really helped me make the decision to bite the bullet and get My 4-runner. Thank you!!
Hi! Actually funny you are only the second person to ask. It's a Rago Fabrication storage system. It is expensive, but it's great quality and has held up really well. It is not easy to install thou, so I recommend having some wine to go with the process :)
@@TailsofWanderlust Thank you!!! I feel a good wine is best for anything you do yourself for an upgrade or modification lol!!! Love your videos… you are also so positive and very educational… by the way I feel a cooking video is due. 😀
Thank you so much, really appreciate that! Actually editing a cooking video right now. Should be out in a couple of weeks!
Cool honest review! So glad you're doing better with the eyesight too!! No doubt Toyota was thinking smaller trailer at 5000 lbs, not a taller Basecamp.
So good it's well under the 5k limit. Gotta get that star in the windshield fixed....Safelite will probably fix that for free...or if you want to do it yourself, there is a $10 kit at Walmart. Check out WatchJRGo's YT channel. He recently did his White Nissan GT-R R35 with several spots on the windshield. 3 years old and 91k miles on the 4Runner. Now that's some use!! Haha. Barely broken in. Jasper and Napoleon are in the sleep zone. Haha.
Thanks for the reminder, I definitely need to get that fixed I just keep forgetting. That was a brand new windshield and three days in I found a rock haha. Thanks for watching!
What do you mean the receiver is not compatible with a weight distribution set up? Are you using a WD ball mount?
Great Video as i too tow with a 2020 4 Runner! Curious what model BaseCamp is this?
Hi Darren -it’s a 2018 16’
Your 4Runner is on a truck chassis. It's basically an enclosed Tacoma.
Yes, they are the same chassis. Different engines thou.
Is a 4Runner…. It’ll be just fine.!
Absolutely!
Welcome to Wonderful Wyoming beautiful! ❤️🙏☘️
Thank you! Such a gorgeous state.
Cass, thanks for your affirmation on the 4 runner, have one of those too. Am curious about your Jackery 1000 experience so far.
Hi Ron - so far the Jackery is great. I do like it more than the Bluetti. The Jackery has made waffles while tent camping, charged a computer while working out of a truck, and is about to embark on a 3700 mile drive with me.
@@TailsofWanderlust Thanks Cass, that's what I was hoping to hear you say. And thank you for replying. I am accepting delivery of my Escape 17B in May 2022 and trying to line up those essential items I will need to make the nomad experience more enjoyable. So thanks again, I am a huge fan of your vlog, keep up the great work!!!
Thanks Ron that is great to hear. Congrats on the Escape!! Those are amazing trailers.
First video I’ve seen of yours great content! Good information also! If you weren’t going to switch in to a Tundra (I was going to do the same lol) would you consider putting a super charger in the T4R? I am thinking of going this route vs switching to a Tundra myself
So glad you enjoyed the video, thank you! I haven't looked into the super charger yet, but I definitely will if I end up not going the Tundra route. Although I just purchased a truck camper to go on the back of the Tundra, so I'm a bit committed now haha!
@@TailsofWanderlust sounds like the Tundra is in the works lol. I’m still ver torn between keeping my T4R or trading it in for a 1/2 ton pick up ☹️
Understand that, it's going to be very hard to part with the 4Runner!
I tow my Basecamp 16X with a 2019 Tacoma and it has similar torque and HP. The only thing I am ever concerned with is transmission fluid temperature. I use OBD fusion on my phone paired to a Bluetooth OBD2 dongle. It lets me see what gear the transmission is in, and if the torque converter is locked up.
That's awesome. I haven't looked into something like that yet, but that's a great idea to keep an eye on the transmission.
I would use a raptor for an Overland rig it’s got power it’s got towing capability better fuel economy and more than capable of everything off-road the tundra is laggy to
I had a friend with a Raptor who actually traded it in. Out on the tight mountain roads, it's actually too wide. That's the only reason it's not on my list for consideration.
What weight are you hauling? Total?
Great video. Thanks. Question about long roads and fuel economy. Do you carry extra gas with you and do you find it difficult to find gas stations along your routes?
I don't carry extra gas with me. I haven't had a problem yet as I try to look at my route and see how far spread apart the gas is and plan to make sure I can make it in between.
Thanks for the reply. My wife and I are in the planning stages of a Yellowstone/Grand Tetons trip next season. We are in the brainstorming phase. Your videos give us confidence. Safe travels.
That’s great to hear! It is such a beautiful area up there. West Yellowstone is a cute town as well. Happy planning and safe travels!
Wow. That mileage is terrible. My 2008 4Runner with the V6 gets around 18mpg all around and I got around 21mpg on my 1000 mile road trip from Denver to Chicago. All of those mods must have an impact on fuel economy.
The lift, larger tires, and roof rack definitely does have an impact
Hi, Very good drive and Video. FourRunner is awesome. How Are Your Eyes? Thanks, Take Care.
Hi! Thank you for asking. They are 20/25 now with a little bit of haze. Slowly getting better every month.
I will get you a good deal on a nice truck camper for the tundra when you're ready.
Thanks Joe! I actually just purchased a 1994 I plan to renovate.
Thanks for sharing your feedback on the Toyota 4Runner. Have you looked at the Dodge Durango? I read that it tows more weight for the money than any other SUV. The V6 base engine tows up to 6,200 lbs.
Interesting! No I haven't looked. I'm going the pickup route as I'm also going to get a small truck camper for the back of it.
Dodge Durango = P.O.S.
How is your eyesight?
Thanks for asking Mark. It’s at 20/25 currently with a bit of haze. I still have three months that it could heal and change so we’ll see where it ends up. But it is improving a little bit every month.
I'm super curious why you said the tow hitch for the 4runner is not compatible with a weight distribution hitch? I recently purchased a wd setup for my trailer and 4runner - it does seem to ride high atm, but I planned on purchasing a hitch that will have a larger drop to help level the trailer, before the weight is distributed across the tow vehicle. Our cargo trailer will most likely end up around 3500-4000 lbs when towing, which is comparable to yours. Thanks for doing this video it is very helpful!!
Really glad to hear it was helpful. My owners manual does not reference a weight distribution hitch, so I’ve never been able to truly confirm. But reading several forums the 4runner hitches are bolted on. So they don’t recommend the weight distribution hitch because the weight will eventually put too much strain on the bolts. The forums recommend getting a welded on hitch. I don’t know enough about it to say either way but I didn’t want to risk it.
Do you have a mountain bike? I love riding. I'm going to have to allow for bicycles and a dirt bike.
I don't have a mountain bike. Since I take Jasper with me everywhere, that isn't practical for me at this point in my travels. But you can get a bumper for the Basecamp that you can put a bike rack on.
I have an Xterra and love it although it's not a 4X4. Is the 4Runner a 4 or V6? It looks rugged but I thought the gas mileage was better than that! Ouch! Love the video, short and sweet. Oh, I guess I'm in line for an apology. Apparently, my last post saying I thought you've lost weight came across to someone accusing me of saying you were...well, fat. That's certainly not what I was saying...but some people...so, I'm sorry. You look great to me! haha! Stay safe, Cass!
The 4Runner is a V6. And no worries at all George, I did not take your comment that way at all. The internet is full of commenters and I both appreciate those looking to defend me and completely understand you weren't implying anything either. Appreciate you checking this video out as well!
So I have a 2016 Toyota 4Runner and pull a 17’ Casita travel trailer. (2300 lbs) The factory told me I needed to add the Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch so I did. You mention that you dont use one. So I’m now concerned as to if I really need one what did Toyota tell you
Did Toyota or Casita tell you? My dealer wasn't sure, so I never took added one on. My recommendation would be to try to track down an answer from Toyota before making any changes.
Do you remember what the weight was of the base camp?
3500 GVWR on it. 2500ish empty if I remember correctly
What's the longest trip you have taken with this set up. I have a TRD an a 3,800 pound trailer. My longest trip was about two hours with no hills. I would like to take a trip that is about 20 hours,
I lived with this setup for over 3 years, and towed over 50,000 miles.
I have a 4 runner and love it, but it definitely doesn’t pull a trailer like my f159 did. I am curious, have you looked at Tacomas? My brother had one, and it pulled a loaded uhaul trailer while he bounced around living inHouston, Boulder, and Sioux Falls with no issue. Tacomas are also as legendary of off roaders as 4runners and Jeeps.
I ended up going with a Tundra for the cab room (since moved to a 3500). The Tacoma cab was just too small for us and all the gear I stored in the vehicle. If we weren’t trying to put so much stuff into it, I would have definitely considered one
@@TailsofWanderlust that makes sense. I miss two things about my f150, the ecoboost engine was a lot more powerful, and the trucks acceleration was noticeably better, and the interior space. Everything from the width of the driver seat to the size of the center console is noticeably smaller in the 4runner.
Don't laugh but I am looking for a 3rd generation 4Runner as I think that was such a great looking truck and, they just run forever. Finding one is with average miles and in good shape is becoming real hard.
Those are really nice ones. My friend just got the V8 version and loves it. Good luck on the search they are definitely worth the wait!
Are you looking at the 2022 tundras? It’s a hybrid and I think you’ll have a better towing experience
Hoping! I would love to get the hybrid but it will come down to when they release it and how hard it is to get. I need a truck by next spring for my planned trip to Alaska so that may sway me a different direction.
Have you thought about a super charger, maginson makes one for the 4 Runner
I haven’t looked into those. Although at this point I’m waiting to see what the new Tundra specs are before putting any more money into the 4Runner.
My wife and I just got a basecamp last week. I have the tekonsha p3 and still can’t find right setting. We are towing with a 2015 Toyota 4 runner as well I was wondering what setting has worked for you and do you change settings depending on the drive or does it remain where you set it. We will be going to Zion this week and hoping everything goes smooth through the steep passes.
Congrats on the new Basecamp! I change the settings based on where I am driving. I find highway driving, vs. lower speed roads vs. dirt roads are all different. Trying to remember #s off the top of my head, but I believe it's between 6.0 - 7.4 that I tend to go between.
Any thoughts about adding a Magnuson supercharger to the 4runner? Many have added it to their Tacoma’s and 4runners with great reliable results.
That's really good to know thank you. No I haven't looked into a supercharger previously.